 Madgesdiq will host a writing workshop designed to help you get your flow on. |
A talent show with prizes. A freestyle, confidence building workshop. How to succeed in hip hop without selling your soul. All this and much more are on the menu at Portland's Sixth Annual Youth Summit, "The Mis-Education of Our Youth," set for this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11 in Smith Hall at Portland State University.
A talent show called 'Free Ya Mind and Your Swag Will Follow' kicks off the event Friday evening. Young artists from Portland and around the state will showcase their dancing, singing, musical and spoken word performances to compete for the grand prize – a photo shoot with Adrian Adel, the photographer of choice for many of Portland's hip hop artists. Rip City Kingz will host the show.
Saturday is filled with workshops to help young people find their creative confidence and develop skills in music, writing, freestyling, the business of hip hop, and even –love and sex.
The keynote speaker is recording artist and activist Jasiri X of Pittsburg. In his address, Jasiri X will talk about: 'How to Succeed in Hip-Hop Without Selling Your Soul'. He'll share how young artists can navigate the music business without compromising their integrity, and how to gain national and international success, without a major label or industry co-sign.
Jasiri X has a history of challenging authority. In 2010 he released the table-turning, 'What if The Tea Party Was Black?' Last year he stood up against the execution of Troy Davis with "I am Troy Davis." Check him out on Facebook at jasirixofficial, or on twitter @Jasiri
Parents are also invited to attend workshops dealing with bullying, sex and the challenges of parenting in 2012.
 Aaron Obryan Smith was a winner on the popular BET show 106 and Park. Big Mike will be hold auditions in Portland Feb.18 (Details below) Young Minds of Awareness, the mentoring and skills training agency is hosting a Teen Summit and Dance, 4 pm to 10 p.m. Feb. 17, at the June Key Delta Community Center, 5940 North Albina St., Portland, 97217 The summit, 4-5:30 p.m., is free. The dance, 5:30 to 10 p.m. will include a dance competition with trophies for the best three dancers and entertainment. It costs $3 in advance and $5 at the door. At the summit, Taiwo Payton, who spent his teen years in foster care, will speak about the foster care system and youth gangs. Portland City Commissioner candidate Teressa Raiford will also speak. Young Minds of Awareness, located at Oregon Outreach/ Gladys McCoy Academy, 3802 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. offers a range of services for youth including life skills and career training, mentoring, communication and more. The program serves children leaving the foster care system and children dealing with disabilities, as well as offering recreational activities for youth. 106 And Park The very next day, Feb 18, Big Mike from the popular BET program 106 and Park will be conducting auditions from noon to 3 p.m. at Young Minds of Awareness base, 3802 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. PAL Open House Also on Feb. 17, the Police Activities League Youth Center will hold a Black History Open House from 6-9 p.m. at the youth center, 424 N.E. 172nd Ave., Portland 97230. An exhibit will show how the amazing Freedom Riders risked their safety, freedom and even their lives, in the struggle for civil rights. |
Youth Summit Workshops:
Desmond Spann - Emcee Mind Freestyling
If you have ever wanted to learn the art of freestyling, or be more confident in your rapping, this workshop will expose participants to the opportunity to learn these skills. Conquer performance fear through the fun experience of freestyling.
Elijah Hasan - Creative Media
Get thinking about how media messages influence you. Discover fresh and creative approaches to creating and sharing media. The more aware you are, the more control you will have over who and what you believe.
Joshua Dudley - Graffiti, Art and Freedom
What does Art mean for you? How can art help you free your mind? Learn how to draw graffiti.
Kaon-Jabbar East - History Of African Martial Arts
This workshop will break down the origin of Martial Arts and the connection of this art to the 5 elements of Hip Hop. Learn self-defense techniques.
Madgesdiq - Who Are You? (Discovering Yourself Thru the Power of Writing)
Are you a writer? Do you have thoughts that no one else knows? See how writing can bring you deeper into yourself to a place where the world slows down, and time stands still, where barriers are lifted, where dreams are manifested and autobiographies are written.
 Solamon Ibe |
Solamon Ibe - Healthy Opposite Sex Relationships
Forget the pain and the drama. Kick those sad, old storylines to the curb. Healthy relationships are meant to feel good. Find out how to make it so with your man Solamon.
William X - The Causes of Youth Violence
Youth violence has swept over America and that includes Portland, Oregon. Check out who your real enemies are and how you should handle them. Think outside the box of skin color, gender, or class to find true self-love and identity. Learn skills to eliminate violence and increase the peace.
Parent Workshops
Betty Harris- MST, BS, CDPT Bullying in our community and schools
Learn how to recognize bullying, and stop it. Get a hands-on personal experience in resolving issues facing your community.
Jay Klusky Ph. D - New Skills for a New Time
Discover how to give youth the skills they need to succeed; skills they won't learn at school. Learn a new tool that helps families strengthen self-esteem and self-discipline.
Mic Crenshaw - The Future Is Up To Us
Delve deeper into how the world we live in affects our children. We, as a race and civilization are in the midst of a global economic crisis. The root of this crisis is the system of capitalism and exploitation that has shaped history and the reality we live every day on earth. Find out how we can make change in our own lives.
Mariotta Gary-Smith & Linda Hornbuckle - Let's Talk About Sex
Do you have a difficult time discussing sex with your children? Don't worry most parents do. Linda and Mariotta will give you new tools to help you help your child navigate these dangerous waters. Learn where to go for the facts and how to ask for help when you need it.
Contact: Imani Muhammad 503-781-5313 info@portlandyouthsummit.org
